44 Books Like Harry Potter for a Magical Read

Posted on Jul 25, 2023

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Written by P.J McNulty

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In the world of literary magic, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series stands as a titan.

But what do you do when you’ve finished the series and are still itching for more tales of enchantment, adventure, and camaraderie? This article presents a comprehensive list of books and series that, while not replicas, offer a similar allure.

With intriguing characters, rich world-building, and their unique takes on magic, they stand as worthwhile choices for fans the Harry Potter franchise.

Here is a list of books like Harry Potter to check out:

“Percy Jackson & The Olympians” series by Rick Riordan

With a world grounded in Greek mythology and a relatable teen protagonist dealing with unexpected magical abilities, fans of Harry Potter’s character growth and immersive world-building will find much to enjoy.

“His Dark Materials” series by Philip Pullman

This series introduces a parallel universe with its own unique rules, mystical creatures, and compelling characters, offering the same depth and intricacy that Potterheads appreciate in J.K. Rowling’s magical world.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis

The series’ enchanting lands, talking animals, and the battle between good and evil would captivate any Harry Potter fan who loves exploring magical realms.

“Artemis Fowl” series by Eoin Colfer

The ingenious and often amusing ways in which the protagonist interacts with magical creatures and navigates through a hidden fairy world can remind Harry Potter fans of the lighter and funnier moments at Hogwarts.

“The Magicians” series by Lev Grossman

This darker, more mature series about a magic college offers a grittier perspective on magic, much like the later Harry Potter books, and would appeal to fans who enjoyed the more complex themes of those novels.

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” series by Lemony Snicket

With its rich storytelling, layered mysteries, and strong character dynamics, this series offers a similar emotional and narrative complexity that fans of Harry Potter will enjoy.

“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

This timeless adventure about a simple hobbit thrown into a world of magic, treasures, and dragons will enthrall Harry Potter fans with its themes of bravery, friendship, and the battle against evil.

“Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien

The epic quest, rich world-building, and fascinating array of characters make this a must-read for those who enjoyed the scope and depth of the Harry Potter universe.

“The Inheritance Cycle” series by Christopher Paolini

This series would appeal to Harry Potter fans who love epic adventures, coming-of-age stories, and the exploration of magical skills and creatures.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” series by Ransom Riggs

The blend of magic, mystery, and a school of extraordinarily gifted children in this series will appeal to fans who enjoyed similar elements in the Harry Potter series.

“Septimus Heap” series by Angie Sage

With its magical apprenticeships, spellcasting, and vibrant characters, this series will appeal to those who enjoyed the magic and camaraderie in Harry Potter.

“The Spiderwick Chronicles” series by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Fans of Harry Potter’s magical creatures will find themselves drawn to this series’ imaginative world teeming with faeries and other mythical beings.

“The Bartimaeus Trilogy” by Jonathan Stroud

The interplay between commoners, magicians, and spirits in a parallel London offers a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and magic that Harry Potter fans would love.

“The Inkheart Trilogy” by Cornelia Funke

The series’ exploration of the magic of books and storytelling can resonate with Harry Potter fans who fell in love with Rowling’s enchanting narratives.

“The Dark is Rising” series by Susan Cooper

Fans of the prophesied hero and magical objects in Harry Potter will appreciate similar themes in this series.

“The Pendragon Adventure” series by D.J. MacHale

Harry Potter fans who love visiting magical worlds and time-travel elements will find this series enjoyable.

“The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” series by Michael Scott

Fans of Harry Potter will appreciate the detailed mythology, the appearance of familiar figures like Nicholas Flamel, and the exploration of magical abilities.

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” series by Trenton Lee Stewart

Fans of the camaraderie among the students of Hogwarts will enjoy the relationships and teamwork amongst the gifted protagonists in this series.

“Fablehaven” series by Brandon Mull

The magical creatures, enchanted lands, and battle against dark forces in this series would captivate Harry Potter fans.

“The Magisterium” series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

The series about a magical school with elemental magic can resonate with Harry Potter fans who loved the idea of Hogwarts and its magic lessons.

“The Nevermoor” series by Jessica Townsend

The magical trials, fantastical city, and a cursed child protagonist will likely appeal to those who enjoyed the whimsy, magic, and hero’s journey in Harry Potter.

“The School for Good and Evil” series by Soman Chainani

Fans of Harry Potter would appreciate the series’ exploration of friendship, magical schooling, and the tension between good and evil.

“Charlie Bone” series by Jenny Nimmo

This series about a boarding school for children with magical abilities will remind Harry Potter fans of Hogwarts and its enchanting students.

“Gregor the Overlander” series by Suzanne Collins

This series, filled with strange creatures, prophecies, and an underground world, can captivate Harry Potter fans who love exploring magical realms.

“The Land of Stories” series by Chris Colfer

Harry Potter fans would enjoy this series’ unique magical world, the balance of humor and danger, and its focus on the power of stories and imagination.

“The Ranger’s Apprentice” series by John Flanagan

This series’ detailed world-building, camaraderie, and blend of adventure and magic can appeal to Harry Potter fans.

“Deltora Quest” series by Emily Rodda

The magical quests, rich world-building, and battle against evil would enthrall fans of the Harry Potter series.

“The Keys to the Kingdom” series by Garth Nix

Fans of Harry Potter’s intricate plotlines and magical battles will appreciate the adventure and the mystery surrounding the magical keys in this series.

“The Kane Chronicles” by Rick Riordan

This series’ incorporation of Egyptian mythology into a modern setting, along with a pair of sibling protagonists uncovering their magical heritage, will appeal to fans of Harry Potter’s magical world and character dynamics.

“The Secret Circle” series by L.J. Smith

With its emphasis on magic, mystery, and a close-knit group of witches, this series would appeal to Harry Potter fans who enjoyed the magical elements and friendships in Rowling’s series.

“The Mortal Instruments” series by Cassandra Clare

The blend of action, mystery, supernatural elements, and a hidden magical society will captivate Harry Potter fans who enjoyed these aspects in Hogwarts.

“The Maze Runner” series by James Dashner

Harry Potter fans who love suspense, secrets, and a unique, thrilling world will find this series appealing.

“A Wrinkle in Time” series by Madeleine L’Engle

The combination of time travel, fantastical worlds, and the battle against evil should resonate with Harry Potter fans.

“The 13th Reality” series by James Dashner

The series’ intricate puzzles, parallel realities, and a hero’s journey will appeal to fans of the mysteries and magical lore in Harry Potter.

“The Tiffany Aching” series by Terry Pratchett

The series about a young witch finding her way in a magical world full of humorous and charming characters is a treat for Harry Potter fans who enjoyed the whimsical magic and character growth in Rowling’s series.

“The Dresden Files” series by Jim Butcher

This urban fantasy series features a wise-cracking wizard detective and his thrilling adventures in a hidden magical world, which will appeal to Harry Potter fans who loved the series’ magical mysteries and nuanced characters.

“The Chronicles of Chrestomanci” series by Diana Wynne Jones

The series’ exploration of parallel magical worlds and enchanting characters offers an appealing narrative for Harry Potter fans who enjoyed the magical elements and character development in Rowling’s series.

“Red Queen” series by Victoria Aveyard

Fans of Harry Potter will find this series’ exploration of social class in a magical world, intriguing powers, and political tension engaging, much like the later Harry Potter books.

“The Golden Compass” series by Philip Pullman

This series provides a similar journey of self-discovery in a world where magical objects and creatures exist, which should resonate with Harry Potter fans who loved the exploration of magic and its consequences.

“The Giver” series by Lois Lowry

With its exploration of memory, the power of love, and dystopian elements, this series will appeal to Harry Potter fans who appreciated the deeper themes in the later Harry Potter books.

“The Warrior Heir” series by Cinda Williams Chima

The series offers a blend of magic, prophecy, and adventure, along with a protagonist who’s discovering his magical heritage, which will captivate Harry Potter fans.

“The Belgariad” series by David Eddings

The magical world, intricate plot, and character dynamics in this series would appeal to fans of the Harry Potter series who enjoyed its magical lore and complex relationships.

“The Black Magician Trilogy” by Trudi Canavan

Fans of the rich world-building, the camaraderie among characters, and the magic in Harry Potter will find this series appealing with its similar themes and elements.

“The Raven Cycle” series by Maggie Stiefvater

This series explores a society divided by color-coded magic and the ensuing power struggles, appealing to Harry Potter fans who enjoyed the exploration of different magical abilities and the fight against tyranny.

Now that you’ve explored our detailed list of books that mirror the wonder and excitement of Harry Potter, it’s time to dive into these magical worlds.

Whether you’re a reader seeking your next magical adventure or an aspiring writer looking for inspiration, these books offer rich material.

As you delve into these narratives, let them broaden your perspective on magical world-building, plot crafting, and character development.

Use them as stepping stones on your path to creating your own captivating work of fiction.

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